The Lagos Country Club, Ikeja Special Marshal marked the 25th anniversary of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the 20th year of the Special Marshal and Partnership (SMP). OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) converged on the Diamond Jubilee Hall of the Lagos Country Club penultimateThursday for the celebration of their 25th anniversary and the 20th year of the Special Marshal and Partnership (SMP). The event featured a public lecture by the Sector Commander, Mr Nseobong Akpabio.

Members of the Lagos Country Club marched into the hall in their numbers for the celebration.

From the gate of the venue, it was obvious that the FRSC and SMP were holding an event. Majority of the corps marshals were in uniform.

Before the event started, people sat in groups; chatting, shaking hands and laughing. There was revelry. Some took pictures as the documentary of the club was being screened.

All these were to kill time until the arrival of Akpabio. The event started after his arrival.

The air conditioned hall was decorated in blue and white; chairs were set in rows. There was a session of Merit award for four people in the club. They were honoured for their contribution towards the club and for the works done in ensuring road safety.

Akpabio arrived with the club’s Vice President, Trombi Fillipo, Unit Coordinator, Geraid Olunaike, members of the club, officials of FRSC, SMP, and several others.

The national anthem and the club’s anthem followed the sector Commander’s entry.

Then came the moment the people had being waiting for – Akpabio’s lecture. He spoke on the topic: ‘“Road safety is everybody’s business, what can you do?”

Akpabio said: “About 1.2 million people die annually worldwide due to road traffic crash, about 20 to 50 million suffer various degrees of injuries, while some are permanent and, about 260,000 children under the age of 18 die annually due to road crashes.

Akpabio said road crashes have reduced since the establishment of FRSC, 25 years ago.

“Road users also have a role to play by avoiding road crashes in all the way they can and, also by reporting cases of road crashes to the commission immediately and helping out road crashes victims,” he said.

Road crashes, he said, were rampant in the less developed countries with poor road infrastructure and poor safety education. This, he said, is because of some human, mechanical and environmental factors.

Akpabio said: “80 per cent of road crashes are caused by human, which include; over speeding; dangerous, aggressive and distracted driving; over confidence, fatigue, and talking or drinking while driving.

“Mechanical factors like break / engine failure, bad tyre, faulty lighting, inconsistent loading, faulty wheel alignment and faulty electrical system also cause road crashes. Environmental causes of road crashes are bad roads design, weather, road obstructions, inadequate / lack of road signs, congestion and spillage amid others.

Olunaike highlighted the roles of a special marshal to include, patrolling the highways and controlling traffic on group basis; monitoring road users and road marshals with a view to providing constructive information or feed back to the commission.

He added that they are also there to ensure life saving ventures, giving prompt attention to road victims and they must be ready to expend resources and time to evolve a better road culture.

Earlier, Fillipo said the goal of the lecture was to ensure the safety of our road users in the country.

No matter how old our loved ones are, we never want them to go. The tears of the children of the late Mrs Winifred Olanike Omonijo whose remains were intered in Ilesa, Osun State on Saturday are yet to dry.

She died on June 25 at 75. She was the mother Mr Omobolade Omonijo, Member, Editorial Board of The Nation.

Those who knew her are still mourning the loss of an outstanding woman. Her widower, Pa Gamaliel Omonijo, cannot imagine life without his jewel.

Mama and her husband were soul mates. On her sick bed, mama defied pains to ask how her husband was coping at home.

Mama’s remains were intered at St. Peters Anglican Church Cemetery, Bolorunduro in Ilesa, after a funeral service in the church at Isona.

The rites of passage began on Friday with a service of songs at her residence. It climaxed with the funeral service the following day.

The church was painted in white.

Its wooden chairs were set in rows. The choir rendered solemn songs, with the congregation standing as the remains of Mrs Omonijo were brought in, in a gold brown casket. There were flowers on the casket.

Smartly dressed women, ushered guests to their seats.

In a sermon, Ven. Akintunde Morakinyo, described mama as a selfless woman.

The late Mrs Omonijo, Venerable Morakinyo said, was a diligent woman.

He urged all to live a life that is pleasing to God.

After the sermon, special prayer were said for the family, their guests and the nation.

Mama’s remains arrived at the cemetery in a white car; ESCALADE and T.A.C were the pall bearers.

As Mrs Omonijo’s remains were being lowered into the grave, the large number of sympathisers wept.

Reception followed at the United Methodist/Anglican Grammar School Premises, Bolorunduro, Ilesa.

Guests had a nice time, winning and dinning.

Relations and friends took time to dance to music supplied by Sweet Jesus Music Ministries.

Dword Music Institute a.k.a Olagunju Oluwaseyi was the Master of Ceremony while S.Rock Band also entertained. Diverse itinerant drummers were present.

The venue was decorated in gold, pink and blue. Chairs were set round tables.

In his tribute, Pa Omonijo described his wife as a prayer warrior.

“The place of my late wife will remain unfilled; it is very difficult to reconcile with the fact that she has departed this world, leaving me lonely.

“My wife knew what I should wear, what to eat and ensured that the home was organised the way I loved it. I look forward to joining you too.”

Omobolade, the first son described his mother as a wonderful woman who lived a fulfilled life.

His words: “My mother delights in the joy and development of others, she was a disciplinarian who took good care of all her children and even other people’s children like her own.

“She walked with the Lord, and served God with all her heart, she touched the lives of so many people and she is worthy of honour.

“She never left daddy, she was always with him and also took care of him.”

He urged mothers to ensure that they build their homes, saying that the day to day administration of the home is in the hand of the mothers.

Mama’s daughter-in-law, Mrs Yinka Omonijo said: “Mama was everything to me. She was not only my mother-in-law, she was my mother and my confidant”.

She described mama as generous, kind hearted, and a woman who is ever ready to give herself to everybody.

“Mama accepted me freely to be her daughter-in-law and told me many things about my husband (her son).”

Mrs Omonijo was moved to tears when she said she can never forget mama because she was very caring.

She said: “Mama will always remember our birthdays to greet us.

“I learnt something from her. Mama will never borrow rather she will give you more. I will never forget her,” Mrs Omonijo said.

Mama’s second son, Mr Bolaji Omonijo said mama was caring and loving

“She brought us up in the way of the Lord and she will never spare the rod to spoil a child,” Bolaji said.

Chairman, Editorial Board, The Punch, Mr Segun Adediran, said mama was a great and good mother.

“She will be missed,” Adediran said.

Present at the event were Ambassador Akinola Falase and his wife, Nike; Prof Ayodele Falase and his wife, Adelola; Asolo of Isolo Ijesha Dr. John Adeyemi, and Oloro of Orogba Ijesha Chief James Ajayi; members of the staff of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation, were there in large number.

The remains of Senator Pius Ewerhido were interred in his Ewu hometown in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State last Friday. Staff Reporter OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE was there

THE mood inside the sacred Heart’s Cathedral in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State was pensive last Friday. Many were dressed in black. As the remains of Senator Pius Ewerhido were brought in, some guests took a deep sigh. The widow and her children sat quietly, listening to the sermon.

Outside the church, members of the community could not control their emotion. To them, a great son is gone. They could not be pacified by the presence of cream of the political class that came to pay their last respects to a Trojan in Delta State politics fondly called “Gogorogo” by his admirers.

Ewerhido died at the National Hospital, Abuja on June 30 after suffering a stroke. He represented Delta Central District in the Senate.

He is survived by wife Doye, six children, aged mother and siblings.

The church service featured hymns, Bible reading, soul-lifting sermon and special prayers

In his homily, Reverend Father Anthony Anamali said the late senator was a man that could make the country work.

The clergyman said some salient bills sponsored by the late senator were germane and appealed to his colleagues not to let those dreams die.

Leading the tribute, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan reminisced on the life of the late Ewerhido, saying they both shared a long political journey.

He recalled meeting the late senator shortly after his electoral victory into the state legislature when the need to elect a deputy speaker for the legislature arose.

He said the late Ewerhido won despite the presence of the caucus for a different candidate in mind.

Uduaghan said, notwithstanding the tumult that followed his emergence as governor in the 2007 elections in which the late Ewerhido was his rival, they both had mutual respect for each other.

His words: “Our political history is very long, a lot happened between us in the last eight years. In all these, we had great respect for ourselves. You will not read anywhere where Pius said something negative about me to the media. He never did so; neither did I do it to him. Even in his private discussions, nobody has come to tell me Pius said any ill thing about me.

“So, we have great respect for ourselves. Even while in the Senate in another party, we also have great respect for ourselves. A few days ago somebody asked me ‘Pius was sick and we heard you were there; why did you go to that extent?’ I told him that if the reverse was the case, Pius would also be there for me. He would have done the same thing for me.”

Senate President David Mark said the Senate had lost “a gem” in the late Ewerhido.

He said: “Pius throughout his stay in the Senate demonstrated nationalism and patriotism, the passion with which he expressed himself, the sincerity with which he expressed his wishes of Delta and by extending the wishes of the ordinary Nigerian was beyond reproach.”

Rev Fr Anthony Ewerhido said his brother gave the people of Delta Central Senatorial District vibrant and effective representation, adding that in less than two years, he sponsored four bills and co-sponsored 12 other bills, urging the Senate to help immortalise the late senator by passing one of the bills he sponsored.

Ewerhido’s remains were interred at Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state at 4:15p.m.

In attendance were Edo and Imo state governors, Adams Oshiomhole and Rochas Okorocha; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; former governor of Edo State Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba; Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Senator Uche Chukwumerieje; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Festus Keyamo, a lawyer and Delta House of Assembly Speaker Victor Ochei among others.

The remains of Mrs Christiana Aderonke Akintelure, mother of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Ondo State deputy governorship candidate Dr Paul Akintelure, have been interred in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

T will need some searching to find the place in the map. But people found way to Igbotako, a rustic community in Ondo State, penultimate Saturday for the funeral of Mrs Christianah Aderonke Akintelure, mother of Dr Paul Akintelure, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) deputy governorship candidate.

The ceremony was held at St Pius Catholic Church in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Mrs Akintelure died on June 14, in Lagos, at 83, after a brief illness.

Mama’s remains were in a brown casket with golden designs. They were conveyed in a black exotic car – R500 4MATIC.

The programme started with a Christian wake on Friday at Akinpapa Compound, Oke-Idebi quarters, Igbotako, Okitipupa. The interment was on Saturday and thanksgiving, Sunday.

The Saturday service began with an opening prayer after which some Bible passages were read. The church choir sang some hymns, and prayers were said for Mama and her family.

In his sermon, Revd Father Akinyose Anthony described Mama as a woman who was dedicated to God and church activities.

“She is always giving godly advice and will be greatly missed. She has written her name with a golden pen in this church; she nursed her children on the right path of life and she was prominent in the church and in the society at large,” the cleric said.

He urged guests to live a good life, saying “one day we all shall go back to our Creator.”

After the funeral service, the pall bearers danced round the church with the casket. Family members, friends and well wishers also joined in the dance. The M.I.C. Brigade played the instrument.

Mama’s remains were interred at the Akintelure’s compound before the guests moved to Otunba compound, Off Ode-Aye road, for the reception.

Some guests were also entertained on the church field.

The reception venues were decorated in white and gold. Chairs were set stylishly and there were sparkling lights.

A band was led by Kolayemi Kuti.

Running mate to Olusola Oke in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Saka Lawal said Mama lived a good life worthy of emulation.

He said she brought her children up in a way that showed her good character and value for good name.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State governorship candidate Chief Olusola Oke spoke glowingly of the late Mrs Akintelure.

He said: “From today’s gathering, I am sure Mama must have lived an exemplary life and it shows her good deeds in her life time towards her children and others. It is one that everybody should learn from.”

In a tribute, Akintelure eulogised his mum, saying: “The main difference between my mother and God is that my mother did not create me. She was everything to me. To my fellow citizens, I want them to learn from the good life of this woman, the kind of life my mother lived was a life of good attributes. She trained her children well, she was very good at morals and above all she served God.”

Senator Kunlere Boluwaji described her as a mother in a million.

“She lived a life of love to her family members and beyond. She lived a decent life and taught all her family members good morals,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer, AK Media Asiwaju Benson Akinteju described her as a great woman.

He said she was a woman that many respected.

Among the dignitaries were, Dr Pius Akinyelure represented ACN National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Ondo State Commissioner for Finance and ACN chieftain Chief Tayo Alasoadura; Wale Akinterinwa; Special Adviser to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Bola Ilori; Caretaker Chairman ACN Kwara State Sola Iji; Governorship candidate of ACN in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Mr Akinfeyinwa Awodeji; State Secretary of ACN Adedipe Adegboyega; Mrs Elizabeth Boluwaji; Prince Olu Adegboro; wife of the late former secretary to Ondo State government, Wumi Adegbomire, Bimpe;

Members of the National Assembly and local governments were also present.

Dealing with the fear of speaking requires the willingness of the person concerned. By now, we have learnt that we are not alone in our fear of speaking and that there is a need to renew our minds. Now, we must take deliberate steps to deal with the fear. Some of those steps are:

•Know what you want to talk about: when you talk about something you don’t know so much about, you will lack confidence. You should be so familiar with your subject matter that you won’t have to think (or try to recall) while speaking. If you are good at what you do, then you need not fear speaking about it.

•Know your audience: if you don’t know the people you are talking to, you will find communication difficult. Do a detailed analysis of the people you intend to speak to; who are they? What do they want to know? What do they need to know? How do they prefer to learn? If you can answer some of these questions, you will feel familiar with them enough to be comfortable. Remember that familiarity eliminates animosity; if you are comfortable with your audience, not only will you enjoy speaking with them, they will also enjoy responding.

•Prepare adequately: don’t leave anything to chance. Prepare for your presentation diligently. Remember, you must be worth listening to before people do. One of the major rules of public speaking is that you can never prepare enough. Till the moment you deliver the speech, you must be preparing. We shall dwell on the subject of preparation later in the column.

•Be passionate: if you talk about something you are passionate about, you will quickly forget your fear. The excitement of your topic will take you through the speech before you remember your nervousness. Have you ever seen a group of young men discussing premiership football? The energy with which they defend their clubs may force a passerby to wait and listen. That is the power of passion.

•Be yourself: the worst mistake you can make is to try to be someone else while speaking. The only way you can be at ease is to be yourself. If you try to speak like someone else, your audience will judge you by the standards of that person and you will fall short. Who can be better than you in playing you? I attended a speech competition and a young man did a fantastic rendition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech. It was so good that the ovation was resounding. But the question on my mind was this, “If he has to present his own speech, will he be as successful?” Dr. King’s persona may not be appropriate all the time. So, it is important for you to develop yourself, not to mimic others (though it may be needed in some contexts), but to be yourself to your audience.

•Stay in your comfort zone: find out what works for you and do it. If, due to your nervousness, you prefer to stand at the podium, do so without looking stiff. If, on the other hand, you prefer to walk around, try not to be clumsy and do not distract your audience. The posture you adopt will say a lot about you to your audience (we will deal more on that later).

•Know that your audience will listen anyway: once you stand to speak, know that people are listening to you. If you are confident, they will listen, and if you are fearful, they will still listen (of course with a different reaction). So, forget about the fear and focus on your presentation.

•Focus on being a showman instead of being a mind reader: whenever you are speaking, know that your main concern is to satisfy your listeners instead of reading their minds. You cannot worry and speak at the same time. Leave the minds of your listeners to them and you keep your mind on your speech. What they think may be useful to you later in preparation for future speeches, but while your current speech lasts, you don’t need that distraction.

•See multitudes as one person: I have heard some people recommend that when you stand before a crowd, look over their heads so as to avoid anxiety. Some others say that you must look into their eyes. We will leave arguments on that for another day. But this is what I recommend; treat the crowd like you will treat an individual. I don’t mean that you pick out one person from the crowd and focus on him/her; I mean that you should adjust your mind to be comfortable with all as though they are but one. Will you look over the head of one person when having a conversation? Will you be scared of communicating with one person? If your answer is no, then transfer the same mentality to your audience; after all, every crowd is a collection of individuals.

Fear of public speaking is not new. As you are sacred of it, so am I. But I will not let that keep me from speaking when next I have the opportunity to. When you are afraid, you are underestimating yourself. Fear is not strong enough to prevent you from speaking; only you can do that! If you don’t stop yourself, no one else can! This concludes our three part exploration of dealing with the fear of public speaking.

The families of Chief and Mrs Olatunde Onakoya and the late Prof and Mrs Adegbesan Adenuga celebrated the union of their children, Babajide and Ayodele, at Darlington Hall in Ilupeju, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

Yoruba culture was on display at the engagement of Babajide, son of the Chief Executive Officer, TED Limited (makers of Lanson Champagne), Chief Olatunde Onakoya and Ayodele, daughter of a former Chairman of the Ogun State Civil Service Commission, the late Prof Adegbesan Adenuga.

Dignitaries, family members, friends and well wishers came from within and outside the country to share in the couple’s joy.

Les Genies Live Band and Fresh Wave (DJ) entertained guests.

Darlington Hall in Ilupeju, Lagos, the venue of the event, was decorated in gold and white. There were also sparkling lights across the hall.

The bride’s family, friends and well wishers wore orange head gears and caps; the groom’s family looked radiant in blue.

The hall was filled to capacity and guests looked resplendent in traditional attires.

There were choice foods and drinks.

A set of young pretty women ushered guests to their seats. They wore gold mixed with a brown traditional attire, popularly called Oleku.

The groom, Babajide, looked charming in his cream Agbada and Sokoto with cap to match. The bride dazzled in her cream lace buba, iro and gele. She wore a pair of silver shoes.

Babajide, an engineer, hails from Ikorodu in Lagos State. He was accompanied into the hall by his friends after the families had been introduced.

He and his friends prostrated for his family and his in-laws and they prayed for him after he was introduced.

They danced to the music supplied by the Alaga’s drummers and took their seats.

The bride, Ayodele, from Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State, was also escorted into the hall by her friends and some family members amid songs.

She knelt to greet her in-laws and parents, after which they prayed for her.

The bride later joined her beloved on the cream bridal chair.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of the bride’s late parents.

Dr Ronke Ibirogba, Dr Paul Adenuga, Senator Olabiyi Durojaye and Chief S. B. Falegan represented bride.

Leap 4 Joy Dance Company enlivened the atmosphere with traditional dances. They danced to Igwe by Midnight Crew and other songs supplied by the DJ and a band.

The groups ensured that there was no dull moment.

Princess Temilolu Ibirogba read the marriage letter from the groom’s family. The bride’s family did the same.

The couple took to the floor and later cut the cake.

A session of photographs followed.

Prayers were said for the couple following which they returned to the dance floor. Families and friends joined them on the floor.

The groom said he was happy and excited.

He described his lovebird as a woman who knows what she wants and would make any man happy.

The bride described her beau as loving, caring and nice. She said she was happy for the joy of the day.

The groom’s father urged the couple to study the word of God, saying that it would guide them on the right path.

He prayed God to sustain and keep them all the days of their lives as they embark on their life-long journey.

Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Prof Modupe Adelabu, advised the couple to live together as friends and protect each other so that they can have a happy marriage.

Present at the event were former Governor of the Old Western State Gen Adeyinka Adebayo and wife Modupe; former Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Chief Alani Akinrinade; an entrepreneur, Mrs Kike Ojo, Oba Adeleke Ogunleye and Oba Oladejo Olayiwola, among others.

This year’s Zik Prize in Leadership was won by House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and three governors, among others. They received their prize in Lagos last Saturday, at a ceremony, which attracted eminent personalities. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.

BEING a Saturday, the traffic on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in Victoria Island, Lagos was light. So getting to the Civic Centre was easy for the guests. They had no traffic to contend with.

Security officials ensured orderliness especially in warding off some social miscreants who sang praises of the dignitaries for cash.

The expansive centre was chilly, thanks to the ocean behind it, from where cold breeze blew.

While some women in strapless attires looked for scarves to cover their bodies, others in full outfits, especially those in traditional iro, buba, ipele and gele, took time to savour the gift of nature.

A huge banner at the entrance welcomed guests into the main building

The banner heralded the event: Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC) Year 2012 Zik Prize.

There were other big banners giving pictorial explanation of the winners.

The awardees were Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal; Kano State Governor Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi; Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Mr Reginald Ihejiahi and former Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, (NB) Chief Festus Odimegwu.

Tambuwal received the Public Service Award; Kwankwaso, Uduaghan and Fayemi bagged Good Governance awards.

The event began around 7:30pm with music by star musician-cum actress Onyeka Onwenu. It was delayed for a while to allow the Muslims break their fast. Fruits were served before Ebele – The Flutist rendered the National Anthem.

Her rendition evoked the memory of flutists of old. She got a round of applause.

Chairman on the occasion Chief Sunny Odogwu and Special Guest of Honour Chief Ernest Shonekan gave short remarks before the gathering adjourned for dinner.

Odogwu said the list of awardees was impressive.

He congratulated the organisers for their painstaking effort in choosing the recipients.

He described the late Azikiwe as a great man.

Shonekan, former Head of Interim National Government (ING), said the awards were well-deserved because the recipients had made contributions to the country’s development.

Shonekan added: “Whatever we do in any human endeavour is being recorded and does not go without being noticed.” Hence, everyone should not relent in contributing positively to the development of Nigeria.

He described Zik as Azikiwe was fondly called as a dynamic leader.

“The late Nnamdi Azikiwe believed in Nigeria where people are achievers and could hold their heads anywhere in the world. I had the opportunity to meet him twice; one of the occasions was at Onikan where Zik was playing lawn tennis. I used to go there to look for pocket money. One day, I got three pence from him; a huge money then. Since then, I have always admired him,” he said.

He urged the recipients not to rest on their oars.

After the dinner, Mr Sony Irabor took the microphone to read the citation of the awardees one after the other.

Some members of the House of Representatives shouted ‘Sayi Tambuwal!’ during the Speaker’s turn. Fayemi got the loudest ovation. His supporters from Ekiti outnumbered those of other awardees and they did not hesitate to recite the Ekiti Anthem when Fayemi was called to the podium.

The awards were presented by Shonekan and Odogwu, but Tambuwal and Anambra State Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu presented Professional Leadership plaques to Ihejiahi and Odimegwu.

A short drama played out over who should respond on behalf of the awardees.

Uduaghan was given the microphone by the moderator; he passed it to Tambuwal who in turn gave it to Fayemi.

Fayemi pledged that the recipients would rededicate themselves to the struggle for a just and prosperous Nigeria, while also working with and for the people to make the country greater.

“In accepting this award, we are conscious on one hand of the increased burden of expectations on us as we join the distinguished cadre of winners of the Zik Award across the continent. On the other hand, we are cognisant of the weight of responsibility that comes with being a recipient of an award that was inspired and named after Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, of blessed memory”, he said.

According to him, the zeal and impetus for Nigerians “to trust one another, dream together, work together and succeed together in building the Nigeria of our aspirations” comes when the hearts of citizens beat together in patriotic rhythm.”

PPRAC Advisory Board member Emeka Obasi said Shonekan and Odogwu requested Tambuwal to also respond.

Tambuwal said jokingly “all the recipients except myself are qualified for the award.”

He hailed the three governors on the list, saying they have done well to merit the honour.

Onyeka Onwenu brought the glamorous event to a close with one of her hit album – One love.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; wives of Ekiti and Delta State Governors Bisi and Roli; former Governor of the Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Senator Tony Adeniyi; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai; Hon Ayo Omidiran and her husband Alhaji Moroof; Hon Oyetunde Ojo; Hon Robinson Ajiboye; Hon Bamidele Faparusi; Hon Bimbo Daramola; Hon Ife Arowosoge; Action Congress of Nigeria National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Prof Akin Oyebode; Prof Patrick Aina; Dr Femi Orebe; the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye; Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor Chief Yemi Adaramodu; Delta State Commissioner for Education Prof Hope Eghagha, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in Ekiti State, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, his counterparts in the ministries of Land, Urban and Regional planning as well as Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr Remi Olorunleke and Chief Ronke Okusanya; Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and Multilateral Relations Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Editor, Hallmark, Mr Casmir Igbokwe.

Some notable past recipients of the prize include former Ghanaian President J.J. Rawlings (1995); former Tanzanian President Nwalimu Julius Nyerere (1997); Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (1998); former Nambian President Sam Nujoma (1999); former South African President Nelson Mandela (2000); for Ugadan President Yoweri Musoveni (2003); former Ghanaian President John Kuffor (2008); President Seretse Lan Khama (2009); Senator David Mark, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and Otunba Subomi Balogun (2010); President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (2011), amongst others.

The Michael Olawale-Cole and Adebayo Ekundayo families have become one. Their children Abiola Oladipupo and Rebecca Oyindamola got married in Lagos. The traditional wedding was witnessed by the high and mighty. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

Fashion, glamour, class, prestige and beauty were on display on Saturday July 13, when the Michael Olawale-Cole, President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and Lagos politician Adebayo Ekundayo families became one following the marriage of their children, Abiola Oladipupo and Rebecca Oyindamola.

The Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, venue of the event, was a beehive. Family members, friends and well-wishers were there to share in the families’s joy.

The Olawale-Coles brought baskets of gifts and fruits, tubers of yam and boxes for their in-laws.

Guests were resplendent in pink and yellow attires. The bride’s family wore pink, the groom’s yellow.

The Shell Hall of the centre, decorated in white, was split in two. Each family occupied one half eating and dancing to the music of a popular female Juju artiste Ayo Balogun and her Harmonic Voices.

The parking lots within and outside the venue were jam-packed. Some roads were turned into parking lots.

Street urchins made brisk business hailing guests as they stepped out of their posh cars.

At noon, the ceremony began with drumming and singing of traditional songs. The female Master of Ceremony (MC) spiced up the gathering with her rib-cracking jokes.

The groom, an accountant, beamed with smile as he waited to be summoned by his in-laws before his ‘asset’ is handed over to him.

“Have they called me, ma?” He asked nervously from The Nation reporter, mistaking her for a family friend.

“No, sir. I’m just a reporter. Congratulations, sir! I just want to ask you how you feel today,” the reporter replied.

“I’m just here thinking if they have called the whole thing off. I have waited long enough and I can’t wait any further. Besides that, I am the happiest man,” the excited groom said.

When he was ushered into the hall, his joy knew no bound as he danced with his friends, spreading wide his hands to display the green embroidered agbada he wore. On his head rested a cap, which he stylishly wore.

The itinerant ballad drummers that provided more entertainment did not regret their coming. For the MC alagaduro, it was the right time to strike as the groom and his friends mangled the Yoruba language. The MC would have none of that as he ordered the groom to pay a fine or return home empty handed. Though the bill was high, the groom’s friends rallied round him to pay.

They were also fined for subsequent mistakes made, provoking laughter from guests. When he got to the front of the hall, where his parents and those of his bride sat, the groom and his friends prostrated. They rose after guests stretched their hands and blessed him.

Abiola recounted how he met Rebecca five years ago.

“After work, I hooked up with my friend who came with his cousin. I was struck when I saw her.

“She has it all; everything from beauty, class, humour, brains and intelligence. The likeness was instant and we exchanged numbers and here we are today. Though there have been challenges, the good times have the better part. No reason my father loves her more than he loves me,” he said.

The Ekiti-born bride stepped in, accompanied by pretty damsels, including some foreigners she met friends while studying in England.

After prayers, the couple, cut their cake to the admiration of all. Among the gifts brought by her in-laws, she picked a copy of the Bible.

On it, was a boxed ring, which her husband placed on her finger, sealing it with a kiss.

At the event were: former deputy governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr Bosun Jeje; High Chief Folarin Williams; White Cap chiefs who represented Lagos monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; paramount ruler of Yewaland and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbende.

A co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Ray Ekpu, has given out his second daughter, Edikan, in marriage to Alexander, son of a Lagos politician, Fidelis Osho. The event was held at Redeemed Christian Church of God, (Victory Chapel), Magodo Phase II, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

SHE is worth waiting for and he waited for her despite his friend’s proddings to forget her and move on with his life. She was in Switzerland then and he kept agonising that he is missing her. “Why waste your time on her? Why don’t you look for another woman and move on with your life?” friends urged the lovestruck Alexander Osho.

“There was a time some of my friends advised me to forget the relationship and move on with my life. But I couldn’t … I just couldn’t,” Osho said.

His patience paid off last Saturday as he took Edikan Victoria, daughter of Mr Ray Ekpu, a founding editor of Newswatch Magazine, to the altar.

The journey of Alex, son of a Lagos politician, Mr Fidelis Osho, an investment accountant at FirstBank Capital and Edikan, an employee of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), is obviously one ordained by God. They were colleagues at KPMG auditing services, where their journey to the altar began.

“Every time she gets into the complex, he gets restless. He suddenly becomes absent minded, restless and his body goes jigi jigi,” best friend of the groom Lawrence Amadi told The Nation.

However, they soon parted ways when Edikan travelled to Swizerland for her Masters at the Institute of Management and Development. Alex left for FBN Capital, but still kept in touch with her.

To cut the long story short, their friendship climaxed into a colourful wedding in Lagos last Saturday. The previous week, the couple was joined traditionally in Ikot Udo Ossiom in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where the bride hails from.

Edikan is Ekpu’s second daughter.

Their union was solemnised at Redeemed Christian Church of God (Victory Chapel) Magodo Phase II, Lagos. Their friends, family members and well-wishers came to share in the joy of the day.

The marriage was officiated by Pastor Adebisi Olowoyo.

From there, guests moved to the reception at Grandeur Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, where they were feted with sumptuous delicacies and choice drinks.

The hall was embellished with crystal lightings dropping from the roof. The chairs and table linings were all white. The walls had loop patterned gold fabrics over the white coated wall. At the centre corner stood a couch with the word LOVE, boldly written on it, and illuminated with colourful lighting. There, the couple sat.

Opposite them were Ego and the Indigo Band, dishing out timeless music to guests’ delight.

Soon after, the couple was ushered into the hall by the groomsmen and bridesmaids. They danced to songs like Flavour’s Adanma and D’Banj’s Scapegoat. Their appearance caused many to turn in their direction and stare. With their dressing and their dance steps, they held guests spellbound.

While Edikan wore a simple off-shoulder fitted white gown, she rolled up her hair with a glittering hook. It shone simultaneously with her dangling earrings.

The chemistry between the couple was felt by all. They stared at each other at intervals.

With Luther Vandros’ hit song, Dance with my Father, Edikan had an emotional dance with her father. Ekpu held her close and gave her reassuring pats on the back. He then handed her over to the groom, who displayed scintillating dance steps.

Chairman on the occasion and former governor of Ogun State Chief Segun Osoba, urged guests to stand for a minute and pray for the couple to have a blissful marital life blessed with children.

Playing on the bride’s middle name, Victoria, he prayed for her to have victory and be victorious always.

The couple cut their simple four-layered flowered white cake with Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, officiating. Senator Ita-Giwa said unions like that of Alex and Edikan showed the country was “truly united.” To her, the marriage is a fusion of two great families.

Ekpu described his ‘new son’ as an intelligent person.

“Excited is the word to describe how I feel right now. I am so proud and I urge the lovebirds to narrow down their areas of disagreement and expand that of agreement,” he said.

The older Osho knew he had every reason to be happy, having got a daughter-in-law with the striking qualities of her father.

“Her father is honest and has a large capacity. I see her on that binocular as one who can face challenges. And because her mother is also a strong woman, she is indeed a product of a rugged terrain,” he said.

He urged the couple to be cautious of the company they keep.

At the event were Publisher of Vanguard Sam Amuka- Pemu; Guvnor of Nightshift Coliseum, Ken Caleb Olumese; Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Dan Egbese and Kunle Afolayan (SAN) among others.

They waited for 25years for a child. When eventually God answered them, He gave them a set of triplets. The joy of oil and gas guru Lawrence Ezeh and his wife, Lina, knew no bound on the arrival of these bundles of joy. They dedicated the babies at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Kings Palace GRA in Port Harcourt. BUKUNMI OGUNDARE writes.

THEY were praying for one. And for 25 years, their prayer was “God bless us with a child.” When God’s time came, He blessed them with a set of triplets. Last Sunday, family members and friends joined Lawrence Ezeh and his wife, Lina, to dedicate the babies at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Kings Palace GRA, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The dedication of Prince Emmanuel Ebubechukwu, Princess Christiana Onyekachi and Prince Lawrence Uchechukwu also served as opportunity for their parents to thank God.

Ezeh, a prince of Mburubu Kingdom, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, is a politician and oil/gas guru.

The service was officiated by Pastor Edmond Osahon and Pastor Soji Oni.

The church service, graced by a mammoth crowd, was followed by a colourful and well attended reception at the Grace Events Place, Evo Road in GRA, Port Harcourt.

An elated Ezeh said he and his wife were grateful to God for finding them worthy of the children.

“The triplets are perfect and wonderful gifts from the Lord; they represent an amazing blessing to us, they are lovable, delightful and adorable and I must confess we are enjoying every moment of their existence,” he said.

He urged parents to always dedicate their children as it is scriptural and an opportunity for parents to publicly commit themselves to the Godly rearing of their child.

To the proud princess, the joy of motherhood has outweighed the challenges.

“We are looking forward to seeing them grow into men and a woman who will inspire their generation and dedicate their lives to the cause of God by His grace,” she said.

At the event were: the paramount ruler of Mburubu kingdom, Igwe E.M.O Ezeh; paramount ruler of Imeoha Nkerefi Enugu Luke Ogbuta; Hon John Anichukwu; President General of Egi Peoples’ Assembly and Chairman of the Rivers State SURE-P programme Chief Oris Onyiri, among other high profile dignitaries.

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi celebrated his 52nd birthday at the Government House, Awka. It was a low-key event. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports.

Penultimate Friday, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi celebrated his 52nd birthday.

As at 7am, he was in a meeting before his wife, Margaret and children Amaka and Eloka set the birthday ball rolling with few invited guests.

Obi arrived for mass in the Governor’s lodge chapel at 8.15 am. The guests could have shouted happy birthday but for the presence of some men of God led by Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka who presided over the mass. He was assisted by the Chaplain of the Governor’s lodge, Rev. Fr. Jonas Benson Okoye. Other reverend fathers in attendance included Rev Father Fabian Obi, the govenor’s immediate younger brother.

The mass was attended by Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Oseloka Obaze, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftains including Mr Maxi Okwu, commissioners and Advisers and a friend of the governor, Chief Okey Ezeibe, among others.

Obaze performed the toast and supervised the cutting of cake.

The dress code was not special. Obi appeared in his normal senator wear, with his wife dazzling everybody with her usual style and panache.

The celebrator was amazed at the ceremony because he had ordered that there should be no celebration. But it was a quiet one. Mrs Obi was happy as she danced gracefully with her smiling husband and children.

The first family indeed savoured the moment as people enjoyed the delicacies provided.

The Chaplain of the Governor’s lodge, Rev. Fr. Jonas Benson Okoye praised the governor for living a disciplined life and always working toward excellence in all facets of life. He noted the governor’s courage and political will in correcting the mistakes of the past and laying a foundation for sustainable development.

Most Rev. Ezeokafor, in his homily, appealed to the people of Anambra to pray God to give the state somebody better than Obi after he leaves office.

He insisted that Obi’s successor must be somebody who will continue and even surpass Obi’s impressive records.

The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Patrick Obi described the Governor as a role model who has touched many lives and set a standard others.

His Youth and Sports counterpart Dr. Edozie Aroh said the governor is exemplary in his conduct.

The Vice-Chancellor, Anambra State University, Prof. Fidelis Okafor, said Obi had excelled.

Responding, the celebrator repeated his call for collective efforts to building a progressive society with opportunity for everybody.

Obi said prudent and judicious use of resources was necessary to build nation posterity will be proud of.

Last time, we started exploring the exciting world of entertaining speech. Entertaining speech is the least formal of the types of speeches we have. This, however, does not mean that it requires less work, or that it is less important. In places where entertaining speech is needed, any other type of speech may not be appropriate. Entertaining speech is one that the audience is supposed to listen to without any care in the world. Today, we shall be examining how you can make your speeches entertaining.

I watched a programme on TV recently; a comedian was trying so hard to make the audience laugh. Each time the camera showed the audience, I saw faces of people who were getting ready to laugh. There was this anticipation on their faces, as though they were waiting for the funny part of the gist. Unfortunately, by the time the comedian was done and he left the stage, the people were still waiting to laugh. You have to understand something very important about entertaining speeches; they place a great responsibility on the speaker. If you speak to your audience without any intention of being funny, you may see them laughing so hard that you wonder when you became a comedian! But if you make the “mistake” of showing to them that you are trying to make them laugh, you had better be real good! The difference between the two scenarios is that in the former, you never made any claim, so, your listeners are not critical of you; you kind of catch them off guard. In the latter, however, you have directly or indirectly claimed to be funny, and they want you to prove it; so, they don’t laugh easy. If you have proved overtime to be funny, however, the mere sight of you may throw people into a fit of laughter. Now, let’s consider some things you need to do to make your speech entertaining.

•Don’t make obvious effort: try as much as possible not to make obvious effort to make your audience laugh. If you watch very funny and entertaining people closely, you will discover that one of your attractions to them is their “carefree” attitude towards what they are saying. They seem so casual that they may not even laugh at what they are saying while others are tumbling over with laughter. Sometimes, laughing at your own jokes can be in bad taste; let your audience do the laughing. If, for instance, you are asked to address some business partners at a luncheon organized by your company, you have to be entertaining and still be dignified. As much as you don’t want to give a serious speech, you still should joke about things that are related to your shared interests. Everyone knows you are not a comedian, so, they don’t expect you to be extremely funny, but you should be able to interest them while keeping your business dignity in mind.

•Focus on the human angle of any story: what exactly is funny and what is not? Well, that depends on three things; the subject, the speaker and the audience. One thing is sure, however, no matter who is listening, and no matter what the subject is, focusing on human limitations or extremities will most likely elicit laughter. Imagine that you are invited to address some college students during their graduation party, one way to easily make them enjoy themselves (while still learning something) is to create funny scenarios of extremely lazy students and extremely studious students. As you joke about their habits, you may start to hear the students calling out the names of some of their friends they feel belong to one category or the other. When this happens, you will find them laughing because they can relate to what you are saying.

•You can create humour out of your personal experiences: more often than not, this technique works. Your listeners want to laugh at someone, but not at themselves; so, they are ready to laugh at you as you relate your funny or strange experiences. Imagine being asked to talk to a group of young entrepreneurs about your success in business during a special dinner organized in your honour; a nice and entertaining topic may be “My Experimental years!” In the speech, you may humour your small beginning, your desperation, your failed attempts at starting different businesses, the mistakes you made and how you finally succeeded. Not only will this type of speech entertain your listeners, it will also enlighten and motivate them.

•You can focus on shared experiences: another way to interest your audience is to humour experiences that are common to everybody. For instance, you may entertain your colleagues at a staff get-together by sharing funny experiences of some incidences at work. You may joke about a time you were locked in the office’s washroom and you feared not being discovered till the next day because you left your phone on your desk. Everyone who knew of the event, or who had similar experience due to the faulty door would laugh with you. The watch word here is that you should avoid making jokes at the expense of others. Remember that you are trying to entertain and not to offend.

There are several other ways to entertain your audience. But like I strongly believe, one of the best ways to learn is to watch people present. Understudy anyone you find interesting and you will discover several ways to interest your audience.

Members of the prestigious Lagos Lawn Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos, were guests at a dinner organised by the House of TEO, the authorised distributor of Lanson Champagne in Nigeria. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

Anyone who visited the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC) that Friday would think it was the venue of the Wimbledon semi final clash between Andy Murray and Jerzy Janowics.

Members were there in their numbers to watch game. Large screen televisions were hung at strategic places.

There were mixed reactions at the beginning of the game when Janowics was leading. All exclaimed: “This guy will beat Murray”.

But the tide turned when Murray kicked back shots from the distance to level with Janowics. Another mood set in. The hope of Murray winning the game was raised among the spectators. They cheered and applauded when Murray took the lead.

The point that saw Murray through to the final left everyone happy and excited. “I know Janowics cannot beat Murray,” one of them exclaimed. ‘But Janowics played tough to defeat Murray; he tried,’ others said.

The match was the hallmark of a dinner organised by the House of TEO, the authorised distributor of Lanson Champagne in Nigeria, for members and associates of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.

Before the dinner started, the gathering paid keen attention to the game as they exchanged pleasantries.

After the match, members converged on the hall.

Some appeared in native attires, others in English. The CEO of House of TEO, Chief Tunde Onakoya was in shirt and a pair of trousers with a hat.

The arrival of the club’s president, Mr Sam Egbuchunam, enlivened the gathering. He was dressed in a shirt and a pair of trousers, a hat and matching shoes.

Once he settled down, the programme began with the opening prayer.

Egbuchunam was invited called to make his speech.

He described the club as the best in Nigeria. Egbuchunam said the colonial masters that created the club did it for business and leisure.

“This place is a Vatican of a sort; I give kudos to the colonial masters for their sporting insight – leaving a place like this in the best location on Lagos Island; though they did not do it because they like us, they did it for their own convenience,” he said.

When Onakoya came to the podium for his speech, all stood to applaud and cheer him in.

He thanked them for their time and patronage. He recounted the story of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club and how his company has been promoting tennis.

Onakoya said Lanson Champagne was the official drink of the Wimbledon.

He described the day as eventful.

“We are lucky the weather is clement; we enjoin you to feel relaxed and enjoy yourself. Lanson Champagne was established over 20 years ago,” he said.

Onakoya said Lanson Champagne was the official drink of the Queen of England.

“If you take Lanson Champagne you are drinking with the Queen,” he said.

Giving reason for his company’s choice of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club for the dinner, he said it was the best tennis club in the country.

“It is our pleasure to be here; we have been here before and we will still be here. We could have been anywhere but we have been told that this is the best lawn tennis club in the country,” he said.

Mr Demola Balogun, House of Teo media officer, said Lanson Champagne was a classic drink for all ages.

He stressed that it is the champagne of the world’s number three sport – Lawn tennis.

After his speech, all went for supper. It was a buffet. They ate to their heart’s content.

The comedians on ground entertained them before they took to the dance floor till the light faded.

Former Nigerian Principal Representative to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the Implementation of Early Warning from 2007-2012, Aminu Wisdom, gave out his daughter, Chioma Benedicta, a graduate of Accountancy, in marriage to a United States-based nurse, Clement Chijoke Onyia, in Lagos last Saturday.
NNEKA NWANERI reports.

OGUDU GRA in Lagos is a serene estate peopled by men of class. It is home to the rich and powerful. A stone throw from the popular Ojota Bus stop, Ogudu can also be easily connected through the Third Mainland Bridge, which is to its left. Last Saturday, the estate was agog when Nigeria’s former ambassador to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Aminu Wisdom gave out his daughter, Chioma Benedicta in marriage to a United States (US)-based nurse, Clement Chijioke Onyi.

Getting to Ogudu that day was not easy because of the heavy traffic but friends and family members of the Wisdoms and Onyias endured it all.

Politicians and business moguls were there in large numbers to witness the beginning of a new life between Chioma Benedicta and Clement Onyia.

The estate shuttle drivers made brisk business ferrying some guests from the gates to the Recreation Centre, venue of the occasion.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Police camped around the venue. The FRSC men ensured that cars were properly parked on both sides of the road leading to the venue; the police concentrated on orderliness and decorum.

Women in George wrappers of various colours and styles and men in their typical Edo and Igbo native attires added colour to the ceremony. The Edo and Igbo cultures were on display as it was a traditional marriage.

There were about three traditional dance troupes, among which were the Atilogwu dancers from Enugu State. They entertained guests with their acrobatic dance steps and held the audience spell bound by climbing on one another.

A stage was set like a typical village setting with stereotype mats, brooms and calabashes. The groom wore a senator attire. The bride was dressed in george wrappers and a shiny blouse to match. Before them, stood their two layered cake with a replica of beads and a jar of overflowing palm wine made of icing beside it. On it, were kolanuts. It looked more like a carving than a cake.

After the cutting of the cake, the couple were presented with gifts to start their new home.

On the band stand was the Suga Band. The band dished classic old songs mixed with contemporary music to satisfy the elederly and the young.

The groom, Clement, a nurse in the United States, spoke to The Nation on how he met his wife and events that led their union.

“I heard about her from a cousin I was staying in the US with. So during my visit to Nigeria in 2008, I went to pay her a visit and she attended to me at the gate. There, we met and started talking. Having found that we shared a lot in common, it was very easy to talk.

“The spirit is right. The moment I saw her, I didn’t have any doubt that she is the one. Everything felt right. She indeed is my missing rib,” he said.

Chioma, who is running her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) programme in Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom, also reiterated what her beau said.

“I met him here in my house. I suppose he heard about me and came to Nigeria and we met at the gate and started from there. We started our affair five years ago. We dated, broke up due to some communication breakdown, and got back together again. The challenge was due to communication break down so we rectified it, vowed to know ourselves better and here we are today,” Chioma said.

In attendance were: former Minister for Works Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe; former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose; chairman of AIT and Daar Communications Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi and his predecessor Shuaibu Amodu and widow of the late Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) John Haruna, Olayinka.

It was a time to thank God when Ohueze Chukwujinka Onueze Joe (OCJ) Okocha, former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, turned 60 on July 29. He pulled dignitaries, including Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Minister of State (Education) Nyesom Wike to the event held in Port Harcourt and his Rukpawurosi hometown. JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU and ROSEMARY NWISI report.

ONLY a man of his calibre could pull such a crowd to such a place. It is not Abuja; it is not Lagos, which many especially those in his class, consider as second home, if not home. It is Rukpakurosi. Did you say where is that? It is in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State and it is the hometown of Onueze Chukwujinka Joe (OCJ) Okocha, a former president of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

OCJ as he is fondly called turned 60 on July 29, and he pulled a crowd to the celebration of this milestone both in Port Harcourt, the state capital and in his hometown. Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and his loyalists attended the Church service in Port Harcourt. Amaechi’s arch political foe Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State for Education; and his team were in Rukpakurosi for the reception. Rukpakurosi is in Obio/Akpor local government which Wike once chaired before he became Amaechi’s Chief of Staff and now a minister.

Family members, relations, colleagues, politicians and well-wishers came to share the joy of the day with OCJ.

The thanksgiving service was held at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Okoro-nu-Odo Deanery, in Port Harcourt.

Amaechi led members of the state executive council, members of the state and National Assemblies, including Senator Magnus Abe, Dakuku Peterside, a member of the House of Representatives and others, to the service.

The Administrator of Emmanuel Anglican Church, the Revd Canon Wisdom Ihunwo praised the celebrator for his gesture to the church and presented a Samsung double refrigerator to him.

Revd Ihunwo noted that OCJ recognised and appreciates the goodness of God in his life and enjoined others to emulate him.

“We are bound to worship and give praises to God. When you don’t want to believe that God did anything for you, you will believe you did everything by yourself,” he said.

At OCJ’s expansive mansion, Oni’s Court in Rukpakurosi, guests were treated to nice time.

The event enlivened the sleepy community.

Before the construction of what is today known as Air Force/Eliozu roads and flyover bridges by the administration of Dr Peter Odili, the community was embedded in a thick forest, with no access road and little development.

Strangers hardly resided there, except farmers and fishermen. But, today, Rukpakurosi community has become a hot spot that has caught the attention of residents and developers.

Everywhere in Oni’s Court was filled with canopies.

OCJ’s children Owhonda, Wobasi, Nneda, Akubueze and his wife, Ifeoma eulogised him.

Everyone at the event also had one good thing or the other to say about the celebrator.

Congratulating OCJ at the church service, Amaechi said: “I pray we get there because the way poverty is causing riot in Nigeria, I hear that life expectancy is 47 years for women and 45 years for men. So you must be lucky; we must thank God for getting you there. I just want to wish the great OCJ happy birthday, and to say that at 60 you must get very close to God now, because in life, I don’t know how true it is, but as a Christian I believe that all of us will give account of how we lived here on earth.”

There were special treatment for guests; many were entertained in the celebrator’s sitting room. Assorted food and drinks, fruits, and ice-cream were served.

Former Secretary, NBA Port Harcourt branch and Secretary of Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) Sosipreye Long-Williams said: “OCJ is our leader in the state. He was the 19th president of NBA, he is my mentor; he brought me into NBA politics and into law practice, we are very happy to be here as we lived to see this day. He is one of the best we have in the legal profession.”

Chairman, NBA Port Harcourt Branch, Lawrence Oko-Jaja said: “OCJ is the leader of the Bar in the state. That is why we have all gathered here to celebrate him.

“You can see the multitude of persons that have gathered here today is a testimony of how he has touched many lives.

“We are happy for him, and we wish that God will grant him many more years so that he will continue to be useful to not only the legal profession and Rivers State, but to Nigeria as a whole.”

A lawyer with Manuchim Chambers (OCJ’s law office), Bright Owoh, described OCJ as a wonderful person to work with.

“Every one of us in Manuchim Chambers is happy today to join the people to cheer and congratulate our boss. I have been with him for six years, he is a disciplinarian. That is the first thing anyone that works with him should know and understand.

“He is of the school of thought that discipline is key to success. And you must stay focused. These are the two key roads to success I have learnt from him and also see him live by them,” he said.

The celebrator thanked guests for making the day a happy one for him.

Okocha said: “What I am celebrating today is God’s kindness to me. I had health failure that was tending to stroke. God delivered me from it and many of you supported me, especially the governor who virtually under wrote the medical bill of the London hospital.

“I thank God for Amaechi’s commissioners, they have been very supportive, they all say I am their senior brother but when I go to ask them to give me contract, they don’t give me. They will say no, you’re not a contractor, nobody will mess you up,” he said.

The remains of Mrs Angelina Onyebuchi Azinge, mother of Prof Epiphany Azinge, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), have been buried  in Asaba the Delta State capital. JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU reports

It was indeed a glorious transition to eternity. Dignitaries converged to bid the matriarch of the Azinge family of Umudaike clan, Asaba, Delta State, Mrs Angelina Onyebuchi Azinge, farewell.

Madam Azinge died on May 6, at 89.

The weeklong funeral activities was dubbed ‘Celebration of life.’

The climax was the fifth day, which turned out to be a well-choreographed display of pomp and royalty.

Residents of Asaba were stunned and excited by the sight of a luxurious hearse headed to the Cathedral Church of St. Peter’s, Asaba, in a procession that had many bands, including the award winning Brass Band of Akwa Ibom State that entertained the crowd with classical Christian music.

The procession traversed the main streets of Asaba from the Azinge family house in Umudaike quarters, enroute the church and was greeted intermittently with canon explosions of confetti (only seen in stadia in Europe during the finals of football competitions). Various age groups lined the street; the young and the old who came out to catch a glimpse of the carnival-like event that threw the community into a festive mood.

The Azinges, their relations, in-laws, friends and well wishers, dressed in colourful and royal regalias, drove in a convoy of vehicles behind the hearse to the church. A red carpet was laid from the entrance of the church to the altar. Over 10 bishops and 20 priests were in attendance. The church was filled to capacity and more than 3000 people were present to pay their last respect. The church service was a spectacle as trumpeters, choirs and soloists held the audience spellbound with their renditions.

The souvenirs distributed during the service captured the life and times of the Azinge matriarch

Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan led members of his state exco, senators, politicians of diverse political leanings, professional colleagues, judges and civil servants to the funeral.

After the interment, which followed the church service, guests re-convened at the ‘Eventy Centre’, Asaba for the reception.

The centre had the trappings of a mega event. The hall was decorated in gold and white colours, food and exotic drinks flowed freely. Comedians and high profile musicians added colour to the event. Among those who paid tributes to the deceased were Dr Joe Nwodo; Jude Anisha; Dr. Valerie Azinge and Nkeolisaweta Azinge.

Dr Nwodo described her as an exemplary mother.

“Our pains, have been aggravated by the great vacuum created by Mama’s death. Her motherhood knew no boundaries. She gave motherly attention to her immediate family. At the same time, she was equally dedicated to her in-laws, relations and numerous friends and associations. This explains why her departure was like an earthshaking event,” he said.

Dr Azinge said: “I got closer to Mama as she is fondly called, when I had the privilege of marrying her handsome and wonderful son, Epiphany. Epy, as he is fondly called, is the greatest gift that mama gave me, but he was not the only one. For 27 years, Mama enriched my life in incalculable ways. I modelled my life after her impeccable, patient and selfless manner.

“Mama’s infectious, contagious and relentless joy pleased everyone whom she came in contact with. Her industrious and hardworking nature enabled her groom and support her family.”

Anisha said: “Mama Asaba was a woman of integrity, firm and caring. She was generous and showed love to me even though she was not my biological mother.

“She was always a happy woman; she wanted everyone that came around her to be happy. Mama was indeed selfless and worthy of emulation, she was ever ready to lend a helping hand to all and sundry.”

We have been doing an interesting exploration of the lighter side of speaking- entertaining speech. Entertaining speech rides on the wings of humour; how else can you entertain people without making them laugh? Humour is a double-edged sword, which can heal or wound depending on its use and user. Comedians believe that laughter is psychologically healing, at least in the case of depression. Humour must be handled with care because when it works, it can result in a huge success, but when it fails, it can be the worst experience of the user or the person at the receiving end.

Someone may say, “I don’t need to be funny, everyone knows I’m a serious minded person.” True, but that may be the reason you don’t usually have a lot of people around you except for official reasons. Good sense of humour is generally considered one of the most valuable social skills an individual can develop. Even at work, you need a good sense of humour to reduce stress and tension. When people laugh, they find it a lot easier to handle their tasks. You don’t believe me? Try the opposite; make your employees angry and upset and see how well they work! On the other hand, if you complement their efforts and appreciate their contributions by making good natured humour of their work habits, you will see the changes in their attitudes.

Since humour is indispensable in entertaining speech, let’s examine some types of humour that there are. This will help us to know the most appropriate one to use for our specific needs. There are several types of humour but we will only restrict ourselves to a few.

•Pun: this can be described as a play on words. When you use this type of humour, you employ words that have multiple meanings or that sound similar but have different meanings. For instance, if you manage an investment company and your organization is hosting major stakeholders to a luncheon, when appreciating your guests, you may say this, “Your investment is quite safe with us, though we don’t like money, we can’t do without currency.” What you have done here is to play on the words “money” and “currency” as though they are different.

•Malapropism: this is the intentional or unintentional misuse of a word by confusing it with one with a similar sound. Danny Ozark, a baseball team manager, was quoted to have said that something was “beyond his apprehension.” The normal word that should have been used is comprehension, but since it sounds similar to apprehension, the latter was used, thereby changing the meaning of the statement. Another example is, “Segun isn’t a very clean boy, but a regular inspection of his room will serve as a detergent for the habit.” Here, detergent was used instead of deterrent. While using malapropism, it is important to pay attention to the context; the context in which the humour is used will determine if the audience find it funny or not.

•Parody: this involves copying or imitating the style of something or someone for comic effect. Naturally, parody exaggerates and mocks the original; therefore, it can only be effective if the audience is familiar with the person or thing that is being copied. For instance, your organization may have a set of rules or code of conduct. You can exaggerate those rules in a staff get-together. You can create your own ridiculous rules about eating in the office, sleeping in the office, interaction among staff, etc. The humour here will be in the similarity between the original rules and the ones you created. You may even use a similar construction of words.

These are some of the ways to create humour. A major key to all of these is that your humour should not be at the expense of another person. Let your speech bring pleasure to people instead of displeasure. There are still a few types of humour that we will consider next week, make it a date.

The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has held a send off party for its Secretary-General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Fred Odutola, who retired after 31 years in service. The ceremony held at the Adetiloye Hall of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. JOSEPH ESHANOKPE reports.

AFTER a 31-year merritorious service, Dr Fred Odutola last week bowed out as Secretary-General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN).

Last Thursday, the organisation held a send-off party for him at the Adetiloye Hall of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The venue was filled with representatives of state areas of the organisation and Bible societies from Africa and other parts of the world. They included those from the United Kingdom, United States, Cameroun, and Mozambique – a testimony to the popularity of Odutola and BSN in the Christian community.

In attendance were the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor Rev Sam Ogedengebe; Administrative Secretary of the Apostolic Church Pastor I. G. Fakunle; former Health Secretary Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Archbishop George Amu.

Patron of BSN and former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon said of Odutola: “As the patron of BSN, I have always found the work ethics of Dr Odutola to be quite commendable. I am aware of his deep love for Nigeria and BSN. I, therefore, wish to urge him to continue to demonstrate his love for God and country in every situation.

“I wish to specially appreciate his yeoman’s job in entrenching good leadership at BSN. The result of his ‘personal investment’ in people and the organisation became more evident when one of his staff members clearly outperformed every other qualified candidate to succeed him.”

He also said he was overwhelmed by the leadership qualities of Odutola such that he would have loved that his service be extended by a year.

Wishing him a happy retirement, he said peace would always remain with him.

There were also praises for Odutola from others, many of whom attested to his good managerial style and human relation.

Mrs Meg Opara-Onwukwugha, who proposed the toast, described Odutola as truthful, honest and open.

Rev O. Aibinuomo preached the sermon from Phil. 4: 10-13.

Speaking on Strength of the Lord, he asked: ‘’Can we really do all things?” He answered: ‘’Yes. You can do all things within the assignment that God gave to you,” noting that Paul relied on God for his extensive missionary works. He described Odutola as “energetic, an orator, motivator, rugged and dogged, a story teller, risk taker with a large heart … who knows how to reach every president”.

To show their appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General, President of BSN, Aaron Nuhu, presented some gifts to him on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the organisation.

They included a Prado jeep, a cheque of N3 million, and grandpa’s clock. There were also gifts from some members of staff and well-wishers.

In his response, the former Sec-Gen, a scion of Odutola family of Ijebu Ode, thanked all for the gesture. He noted that that was the third ceremony held in his honour. He described his years at BSN as eventful, adding that he would now have time for himself.

He listed some of his achievements, which include taking a loan of $1million to build BSN’s Guest House in Abuja. He received applause when he said the three-year loan was paid in two years and seven months.

It was not a dull moment as music wafted from Sister Dupe Ogulana and co. Besides, a new book by Odutola titled: I am somebody was launched at the event. Also, there was a fund raiser for BSN’s programmes and projects.

His education was almost truncated because of fund, but Prof Ropo Sekoni’s determination to be a scholar saw him through. Sekoni, a member of the Editorial Board of The Nation and Board Chairman, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, turned 70 last week. Family members, friends and associates gathered to share in the joy of the day with him in Lagos. RISIKAT RAMONI reports.

He grew up the hard way. Going to school was not easy after his father’s timber business collapsed. He was then in form two, but he was determined not to allow that misfortune to disrupt his education.

That small boy of yesterday has come of age. He celebrated his 70th birthday in Lagos last week. For Prof Oluropo Sekoni, it was time to thank God for seeing him through that most difficult time of his life. The boy, who found it difficult to pay his way through secondary school, is today a Professor of Literature in English at the Lincoln University, United States.

Sekoni said: “It was tough going to secondary school, especially in my first two years because I had to go soliciting for help to pay my fees. Apart from that challenge of not having extra money, we were getting one shilling as pocket money in a week in the boarding school.”

But he was motivated by his father’s commitment to education, even though the old man was not educated. And when Sekoni saw some students during an excursion to the University of Ibadan (UI) in 1958, his mind was made up on the path to take.

“I saw undergraduates going to the university with academic gowns, I was surprised. I also saw how decent lecturers’ houses looked. At that time, I knew that education was important. I also saw how Africans were living in some mansions. At that time, I believed education was meant to change the quality of one’s life. Education was attributed to decent behaviour, decent living, good jobs and respect in the community. So, I was motivated to change the quality of my life,” he said.

So, he did menial jobs to sponsor his education.

As a Professor in a US university, Sekoni shuttled between home, where he is a member of the Editorial Board of The Nation and Board Chairman, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, and America.

A- list personalities attended his 70th birthday reception at the Senator H.A.B Fasinro Hall of the City Hall, Lagos Island.

The birthday ‘boy’ looked 50. He was charming in a cream lace Agbada with a pair of black shoes. He topped it with a wine Aso oke cap and a muffler of the same material on his shoulder.

His wife Banke wore a wine lace Iro and buba with gele to match.

The guests were dressed in various attires, except his children and in-laws.

The boys wore white heavily-embroidered Agbada and wine stripe Aso oke cap.

The women, including his in-laws wore the same damask material with purple headgear.

A live band, the Faith Music Group entertained guests.

Though it was not an occasion for speeches, a few guests, who spoke with The Nation, praised Sekoni

Mrs Sekoni resisted all pleas by this reporter to speak. She was busy attending to guests. She and her child Yetunde moved round the hall to ensure that everybody was attended to.

It took the intervention of her husband to get her to speak. She described her husband as “Super” and wished him long life.

Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu also wished him “the best of a future where and when he will stand on the side of the people against oppression and victimisation.”

Prof Sekoni’s daughter, Tolu wished her dad “the very best in life.”

“You are a good man. You’re simply the best. I love you and I pray God blesses you with many more years so you can see all your grandchildren,” she said.

“I feel great,” Prof Sekoni responded to a question by The Nation.

Turning 70, he said, was a major accomplishment.

“”I never believed I could reach 70 years on earth because my parents died when I was young and when one sums up their age then, it was not up to 70. Also, in a country where the average life expectancy is 50, if one attains 70, he should thank God,” he said.

Soon, it was time to dance. the celebrator engaged his children, family members and guests on the dance floor.

For those who thought the septuagenarian could only dance to local oldies’ music, he proved them wrong when he gyrated with his children to the R ’n B played by the Disk Jockey.

There were enough drinks and food. Guests relished African and foreign cuisine. Guests went home with different souvenirs.

Among the guests were Gen Alani Akinrinade (rtd); Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu; son of the late Bola Ige, Muyiwa; Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Vintage Press Ltd, publishers of The Nation Mr Victor Ifijeh; Chairman Editorial Board of The Nation Mr Sam Omatseye and Editor, The Nation Mr Gbenga Omotoso, among others

  If I have seen a little further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This quote is credited to a man who made his mark in the world as a physicist, mathematician, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, philosopher and inventor. He is generally considered the most influential scientist in history. This great man is none other than Isaac Newton, the man who discovered the Law of Gravity. Newton’s famous 1676 quote was inspired by John Salisbury’s work in 1159, in which he wrote, “We are like dwarfs sitting on the shoulders of giants. We see more, and things are more distant, than they did, not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they, but because they raised us up and their great stature add to ours.” When we learn from great public speakers, we benefit from their experiences and avoid their mistakes. Today, I bring you a speaker I personally admire. Over the years, I have come to respect his composure, articulation, charisma and persuasive skills. I present to you Professor Charles Ogbulogo.

Professor Charles Ogbulogo

Charles Ogbulogo was born about 52 years ago in Uturu, Abia State. Due to the Nigerian Civil war, which affected the educational system in the Eastern part of Nigeria, he had to begin his primary education afresh in 1970. After he completed his primary education in 1974, he proceeded to secondary school, then the university, where he took a degree in English Education. His Masters in English Language was obtained at the University of Lagos, and shortly after, he got a Ph.D. in the same field. Professor Charles Ogbulogo has been in the university system of about 27 years, and he is currently the Dean of the School of Post Graduate, Covenant University. I hand you over to the Professor now.

Developing interest in public speaking

I realised that the whole world is dominated by those who can give information and really communicate. My earliest experience was between 1964 and 1965, when my mother angrily bought me an Igbo Bible because my uncles and aunties won’t let me use the family Bible for fear that I would tear it. So, I started reading early. After the war, in 1970, I had my first public reading; I read Jeremiah 18, the entire chapter. My father who was not really educated, but who had travelled widely knew a few things about how to influence people, so he tutored me on how to make the day great. After the presentation, people started to make comments about the positive things I could do. Interestingly, in 1972, my father bought me a big dictionary and the Oxford Anthology of Literature, and I was still in primary school! He said, “Son, I learnt that if you are able to master these books, anywhere you go, you’ll be an expert.” That was how I developed my desire for reading.

Also, while I was in secondary school in Abakaliki, present day Ebonyi State, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Enugu organized a debate, and the senior students in my school were to represent the school. At their rehearsal, the youth corper who was in charge asked if anyone from the audience had a comment. I put my hand up, congratulated the team and made a few suggestions, not knowing that I was marketing myself. Immediately, our teachers decided that I must join the team, and though I was a junior student, I became the chief speaker. Eventually, we won the competition, competed with other schools in the neighborhood and won, and later extended our victory to Cross River State.

Speaking and Influence

In my first year at the university, I was elected the president of our student association and my town, Uturu, was very strategic then because the Chief Whip for the State Assembly was from there. So, I kept on moving round people of power. As a student leader, I was called upon to speak at every rally. Governors and everyone who wanted to contest elections started coming to see me in our home, as young as I was, to the extent that my father asked me to be careful. But in 1983, the military struck and everything about politics ended. When I decided to take a degree in English, my mentors felt I made a mistake by not going for Law, or majoring in Political Science, which was my minor, but despite the fact that I was the best student in all my courses, I stuck to my English and pursued it to Ph.D level.

Experience with stage fright

During my first experience, my father taught me many things. He said, “You must have chunks of time to break everything. Your eyes must be fixed on everybody’s eyes; with that in mind, you’ll be in charge of them.” He taught me that having been singled out meant I had something to say, so I shouldn’t get scared. He schooled me and rehearsed the presentation with me several times until I could read it publicly. Yes, it is normal to have some degree of anxiety. Without anxiety, you can’t move; there must be some kind of anxiety to get you to do your homework, but a good speaker must, of a necessity, overcome that anxiety. Don’t become self conscious.

We shall continue our lesson from Professor Charles Ogbulogo next week. He has more brilliant insights to share on public speaking, so please make it a date. Main while, I have been receiving some great questions from you wonderful readers and I would love to address them soon after we are done learning from our icons. So, if you have any question, please send them as soon as you can. Stay blessed.